Beyond The Velvet Claws Chapter 3

Monday morning dawned grey and cloudy as the storm continued to play havoc with the city of Los Angles. Perry was ensconced behind his desk, waiting for Della. She was making a pot of coffee, the days first. In front of Perry sat four contracts, three briefs, a stack of letters, all of which required his signature and folders that held information that would be needed for the day's appointments with clients.

At the moment, any thoughts of legal matters had ceased to exist. Perry smiled as he heard running water and the sound of the percolator being filled. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts drift back to the weekend. It was the coffee….the coffee that Della was now preparing that made his thoughts wander. He had made coffee too and brought in to Della on a tray along with the food and the roses …breakfast in bed. The first of the surprises he had planned.

Perry continued to reminisce about the days just passed. He had woken twice on Saturday morning. The first time, because Della was somewhat restless. It was still very early, daylight not yet appearing. Perry turned over, took her in his arms, rubbing her back and speaking in a low soothing voice, settling her down and putting her back to sleep. The second time he awakened, she was still sleeping and although it was daylight, the rain continued to fall masking the sky in a dark dreary cover.

So as not to disturb her, Perry slid out of bed as quietly as he could and went into the kitchen to start breakfast. Finished with his task, he had brought the tray in to Della, set it down and softly kissed her awake. Feeling his lips on hers, she smiled and opened her gorgeous hazel eyes. Her lashes fluttered against Perry's face, that tiny movement, making him shiver with delicious pleasure. The whole weekend had been perfect. Because of the rain, they had opted to stay inside, spending their time cuddled up by the fire. They watched old movies on TV starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, had champagne and strawberries and of course made incredible wondrous love. Perry had started off Valentine's Day by bringing in the tray. Della had loved the gesture, especially the dozen red and pink roses and thanked him with a passionate and sensuous kiss. Needless to say, breakfast was forgotten and it was well into the afternoon before there were any thoughts of food.

Their dinner plans changed, Perry had called Oscars and spoken to the proprietor. Letting him know they would not be dining there that evening and why, Perry had made a special request. Being a romantic himself and having a deep affection for the handsome prominent attorney and his stunning assistant, Oscar told Perry not to worry, he would personally see to everything. At precisely seven o' clock, the doorbell rang. Perry answered it, allowing the men to bring the cart and boxes inside. Checking to see if everything was in order, the lawyer thanked the gentlemen, generously tipped them and bade them good night. Taking the vases of roses and candles from the boxes, he placed them around the room, turning off all the lights, save for the small one on the hall table. Removing a black velvet box from his suit jacket in the hall closet, he placed it under an empty covered dish that was on the tray. No sooner did he finish those tasks, then Della emerged from the shower. Perry had purposely convinced her to take one so the surprise would not be spoiled.

Walking into the room, Della gasped and her eyes immediately brimmed with tears. Perry went to her, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close and breathing in her scent. Leading her to the table, they sat down to dinner. Before the desert, Perry had Della look under the dish. With shaking hands, she removed the box and opened it. Inside was a gold heart shape locket with a ruby stone in the center. There was engraving on the back. It was the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Just as she had done when reading the inscription on the back of Nancy's necklace, Della lowered her head. Perry looked at her and for a few minutes, no sound was heard and all that could be seen were the silent tears falling on Della's face. Perry stood and walked around to where she was sitting. Bending down, he gently lifted her face so he could gaze into her eyes. Wiping the tears away from her face with his fingers he smiled and said softly, "I take it you like your gift darling?"

Della had to breathe deeply before she could speak. "It's….it's so…so….beau…beautiful. It's per….perfect. I'm nev…never going to take it off."

Perry chuckled lightly as he took the necklace out of Della's hands and placed it around her neck. As he closed the clasp, he kissed that spot then brought his face around to her chest, first kissing the locket itself, then the part of her breasts that were exposed from the robe she wore. Then standing, Perry brought Della up into his embrace, pulled her to him and kissed her, the kiss, a delicious combination, tasting of tears and wine.

The rest of the evening and the next day were just as wonderful. When she finally could gather herself, Della gave Perry his gift. To say he was surprised and overwhelmed was an understatement. Growing up, Della discovered she possessed a talent for art. When given the opportunity, she would always chose art classes in school and later managed to take advantage of these classes despite her hectic schedule with her business school studies. Della loved to paint and draw. She absolutely loved it. Nothing, she thought, was better or held more fascination to her then the different facets of art. The smell of the paints, the feel of a brush or a stick of charcoal as they glided so effortlessly in her hand and across the canvas taking her to an imaginary place, was complete joy. In the end, what had been created was a finished product so masterfully refined and polished that even the local art critic was left standing amazed and speechless. In fact, for a brief time Della even thought about majoring in art, but then, her father became ill and being ever practical, those dreams were put on hold. This intelligent, beautiful young woman put away her paints and brushes, and found a position as a receptionist/file clerk in a law office. She finished business school at the top of her class and, against her parent's objections, moved two thousand miles away to L.A. After two years at a large corporate law firm which held no fascination for the work and even less for the "wolves in suits," Della had the good luck to secure a position as the confidential secretary to one of the most prominent and powerful young criminal defense attorneys in the city, if not the country. Yes, Della's life had gone in another direction and although she was very happy the way it turned out, deep down she always hoped that she would have the chance to pursue her talent once again. The opportunity presented itself as Della thought about a Valentine's gift for her handsome attorney. She wanted to give him something meaningful….something lasting. The idea came to her one Saturday afternoon as she was getting her hair done. It was early November and her stylist mentioned the Christmas present she was giving her husband. A smile began at the corners of Della's mouth and her eyes held a twinkle as if she suddenly knew a wonderful secret. The very next day, she started her project and finally the gift was finished.

So here they were, quietly and amorously celebrating the most romantic day of the year. After Della composed herself she lovingly gave the extraordinary gift to Perry…..a portrait of the lawyer painted in oils. The painting was spectacular and captured all the facets of this complex man. The expression on his face was a cross between intelligence, seriousness and humor. The twinkle in his mesmerizing deep blue eyes, the subtle smile on his mouth were all there. The details were so exact it was as though the attorney could jump right off the canvas. Della had taken it to the framers, choosing the perfect compliment, a bold and masculine frame with clean, strong lines but also holding warmth and charm….much like its recipient.

Perry remembered the discussion he and Della had a few weeks after they admitted their feelings for one another. Della said that art had always been her first love, but now it was her second. Perry's eyes twinkled but his face showed no expression. Raising an eyebrow, he sat back and waited for Della to finish her statement. A fierce crimson blush crept up her face as she softly told him the rest of it. Sitting next to him on her couch, she snuggled closer and gazed up into his eyes. "You, Counselor", she said softly "are my first love….now and forever…..if you'll have me." There was silence as Perry gently took hold of Della's hand, leaving it with a tender kiss. Leaning over, he whispered in Della's ear, then kissed her gently. Della needn't have worried, she had her answer.

Perry knew Della had wonderful taste and a keen sense of color and style. It was apparent in everything she did, from the clothes she wore, to the way she her apartment was decorated….soft, warm colors and fabrics, feminine and lovely like the woman herself. Now, presented with this amazing gift, all Perry could do was take Della in his arms and kiss her with such abandon and passion, that she was left witless and weak in the knees. She looked up at Perry and without another word he picked Della up and carried her down the hall to his bedroom…..her sultry laughter floating in the air.

Perry was brought back to the present by the strong aroma of coffee. He looked up to see Della standing beside him, that brilliant smile on her lips, a gleam in her eye.

"Daydreaming again Counselor?"

"Guilty as charged your honor. I just couldn't help it. I was thinking about the most beautiful woman in the world, who is not only gorgeous but sweet and loving and amazing as well. I am so crazy in love with this exquisite creature, it's hard to concentrate on anything but her."

"Very smooth, Mr. Mason and thank you. Now, as much as I love hearing all these wonderful complements, it's time we got down to work. Besides what's in front of you, we have to take care of the mail. It's Monday, so you know there will be double the amount."

Perry, sounding almost like a pouting little boy, said, "I suppose you're right Miss Street. I don't know what I'd do without you to keep me on the straight and narrow even though sometimes I feel like chucking it all and running away with you to an island paradise. How about it, are you game?"

A small sigh escaped Della's lips. "As much as I would love to, I don't think your clients would be too happy. But, if we can get through the morning, then its lunch and the afternoon is looking better already. You had a couple of cancellations so maybe just maybe we'll get out of here early tonight as well. That would be some record, three nights in less than a week."

"Hmmm, sounds good to me. Alright, once again I am at the mercy of my secretary. Let's get started."

With that, Perry and Della began their day in earnest. They had completed their morning tasks and were just deciding where to go for lunch when they were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Della picked it up and said, "yes, Gertie? He is? He does? Well, OK then, tell him to come in. Della placed the receiver back in its cradle and looked at Perry. Before she could say anything, Lieutenant Tragg came through the door. Looking concerned he bid the duo a hello and with his usual unyielding manor and his stern voice, he said, "There's been a development. I know this is no concern of yours any more but I thought you should know what's happened."

Perry, realizing something major had taken place, kept his voice even. His manor was cool and calm.

"What happened Tragg?"

"I just a came from the Briarwood….actually the penthouse. That's where Eva Belter lives. You know, she moved out of the mansion last year, after all that trouble, moved into that penthouse, hired a whole new staff…."

"And just what is the trouble….why did she call you?" Perry's tone was half way between curiosity and boredom.

"That's just it, she didn't call me….her maid did. Perry, Eva Belter is dead….she's been murdered."